"Who would have thought that Zi Yan's biological father is none other than Zhukun, the Emperor of the Primordial Void Dragon Clan?" As Su Qian, Xu Ran, and Zi Yan watched Zhukun depart from the top floor of the Heavenly Flame Qi Refinement Tower, Su Qian's heart was flooded with countless emotions.
He had never imagined that the little girl he had casually brought back with him would turn out to be a princess of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
During the many years since he brought Zi Yan back, he had very early on noticed the many differences about her. He speculated that Zi Yan might be from some powerful family in Zhongzhou, but he never imagined that she would be a Magical Beast, let alone one from the most top-notch Magical Beast family in the world.
That was a Taixu Ancient Dragon, after all.
Even in the scripture vaults of Zhongzhou, descriptions of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan are scarce. Yet, it was apparent how mysterious and powerful these ferocious beasts were. As the most powerful Magical Beasts on the Continent, how could they not be strong?
"An unintended act of kindness from those years ago has actually led to such an outcome," Su Qian still hadn't come out of the joyful atmosphere. He had now unexpectedly formed a good karmic relationship with the oldest existing Magical Beast family on the Continent,
Although he was only Zi Yan's adoptive father and not strong in power, Zhukun still afforded him ample respect.
Moreover, the pressure from Soul Hall had also decreased considerably. The Taixu Ancient Dragon was no less than a force equivalent to Soul Hall.
"Elder Xu Ran, it seemed that Lord Zhukun earlier... " Su Qian suddenly snapped back to reality. Zhukun had shown great respect towards Xu Ran. A person whom the Dragon Emperor respected so highly...
It wouldn't be that Xu Ran is, maybe, a tad stronger than he imagined, right?
However, he was now numb to shock.
Even if Xu Ran were the strongest person on the Continent, he wouldn't be too surprised anymore.
"Hehe. Brother Xu Ran is very strong. Not even my father can match him. My father was also saved by Brother Xu Ran," said Zi Yan, hugging Xu Ran's hand and giggling playfully. Ever since they emerged from the underground Magma World, Zi Yan had seemingly changed her personality, almost always clinging to Xu Ran's side.
And nobody knew what Zhukun had talked about with Zi Yan yesterday.
Aside from genuinely liking Xu Ran, there was probably also a feeling of gratitude within her. Xu Ran had helped Zi Yan rescue her father, so from now on, she would have a family. At least from now on, when she went out, she could openly embrace her identity as a member of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
"What?"
"But that makes sense. Otherwise, why would Lord Zhukun suddenly appear?"
Su Qian had a sudden realization, took a deep look at Xu Ran, and said no more.
He understood in his heart that Xu Ran might be an existence even more formidable than Zhukun.
With Xu Ran and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan on his side, if Soul Hall truly wished to be enemies with Xu Ran, they would really have to weigh their options. The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, among the most pinnacle of Magical Beast families, wouldn't be inferior to any human force.
"Adoptive father. Over these years, thank you for taking care of me. Zi Yan will never forget the days spent at Canaan Academy," Zi Yan suddenly said earnestly to Su Qian.
"I get it. I always knew you were tough on the outside but soft on the heart, even though you act carefree. Never mind, I'll leave you two alone," Su Qian waved his hand and hurried off.
He really wasn't used to seeing Zi Yan act so earnest.
When Zhukun showed up, though, wasn't he just as happy for Zi Yan as he was panicked? He had raised Zi Yan and truly considered her as his closest junior. Even though Zi Yan caused trouble all over the Canaan Academy, he never really blamed her.
"I hope Elder Xu Ran will take good care of her. It's the first time I've seen Zi Yan care so much about a man. A daughter can't stay with you forever. Zhukun His Excellency chose not to take Zi Yan back to Zhongzhou but left her at Canaan Academy, probably because of Elder Xu Ran," thought Su Qian from a distance. The mysteries surrounding Xu Ran were even more numerous than he had initially thought. Even the Dragon Emperor of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan treated Xu Ran with utmost respect. His decision to persuade Xu Ran to stay at Canaan Academy had been the right one.
"Forget it. Why should an old man like me worry so much? From now on, I don't need to bother about these matters. Elder Xu Ran, the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, Soul Hall, any one of these forces is beyond my concern. Since Elder Xu Ran is so strong, I don't need to fret. No matter how much I worry, it won't compare to Elder Xu Ran taking action just once."
Su Qian shook his head.
With a mere gesture, Xu Ran had solved a major crisis—the revolt of the Fallen Heart Flame—and had also brought a new, young Fallen Heart Flame. Such a difference...
...
"I never knew you were so cultured and polite, Zi Yan."
Every time Su Qian had visited before, he had never heard Zi Yan call him her adoptive father. The girl was too proud to admit it. Even if she had feelings for Su Qian, they went unspoken.
Perhaps today she sensed Su Qian's dejection and thus acted this way.
To put it simply, Zi Yan was another girl with a cold exterior but warm heart.
"That's who I've always been; you just never noticed before," Zi Yan said proudly with a nod when she heard Xu Ran's compliment.
"He may not be my biological father, but he brought me to Canaan Academy, taught me cultivation, and has always been incredibly kind to me. So, in my heart, he's not much different from a real father. Zhukun may have given birth to me, but he never cared for me. Even if he was trapped in that place, don't think I'll forgive him easily."
If Su Qian hadn't brought her to Canaan Academy, she wouldn't have met Xu Ran, wouldn't have rescued her father, and wouldn't now be holding hands with Xu Ran.
"Right. Elder Su Qian is a decent man. It was lucky that he found you. Otherwise, with your personality, you could've been sold and still be counting money for the seller. Although you're strong, if you had encountered an evil Douzong, you wouldn't have been able to escape," Xu Ran flicked Zi Yan on the forehead.
But now, with Su Qian and Canaan Academy forming an unexpected bond with the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, Canaan Academy might be untouchable by most powers in Zhongzhou.
"Psh. Am I that foolish? I can tell whether someone means me well or not. But if I hadn't met my adoptive father, I wouldn't have obediently come to Canaan Academy to study and wouldn't have met you."
"Although we've known each other for less than a month, I..." Zi Yan suddenly looked at Xu Ran with deep affection.
To be exact, Zi Yan and Xu Ran had known each other for less than two weeks.
But the events of that period had left her deeply fascinated by this mysterious and powerful man.